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"Alan knows League Two and I would rather they had appointed someone after this game than before it, to be honest.

"But he doesn't play the game and I don't. It's about his team and my team, not us."

Adams, who saw Torquay lose their fifth game in a row at Aldershot in midweek, insists Vale's bid to make it 10 league wins on the road for the first time since 1993/94 would be no easy task.

"They had a decent shape about them," he said, "and, though they haven't been getting results lately, they still have the nucleus of the side which got to the play-offs last year.

"They're a formidable outfit when they get going and they have to be respected."

The Vale boss, however, insists it's time for his promotion-chasing side to get back on track.

A goalless draw at Barnet was followed by a home defeat against mid-table Morecambe last week, and though the Valiants remain seven points clear of the play-off positions, Adams wants to return to winning ways as quickly as possible.

"We need to get back to our best," he added.

"I can't guarantee it's going to happen, but there's certainly enough will and determination in the squad to bounce back.

"We've had a look at certain things, and we'll look to pick a side to beat Torquay.

"We've no thoughts of going down there trying to nick a point.

"That's not the way we do things. We'll try to win the game.

"They've lost their last few games, but we can't afford to give them a confidence boost.

"We try to do the right things at the right times and in the right areas, and if we do that, we'll win the game."

Adams is still refusing to set any points target as he leads his team into a hectic period of seven games in three weeks.

"There are 14 games left and we want to win as many as we can," he said.

"We'd obviously like to win all seven of these games that come in quick succession, that would be great, but it might not be the case.

"We'll need everyone fit and available if we can and we might use the squad.

"I don't think we'll go into the loan market for other players, but don't rule it out.

"We'll look at it on a game-by-game scenario and if we need to delve into the market we will.

"I'm not a believer in rotating the squad, but certain players might need a rest from time to time, particularly in such a busy period.

"But we'll have a look at it and change things as and when we need to."